Hundreds of drink-drivers have been caught since the start of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police’s winter clampdown, with the worst offender being over five times the legal limit.

The campaign, which started on Tuesday December 1, has seen 394 motorists arrested for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

From 2012 to 2014, 14 people were killed and 182 seriously injured in Warwickshire and West Mercia following collisions where drink or drugs were recorded as a contributory factor.

Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “From the results seen so far, there are obviously still people out there who feel they can gamble with drinking and driving.

“The simple fact is there is only one way of being sure that you are safe to drive and that is not to drink at all.

“We would ask people to consider other options when out drinking over the New Year: public transport, taxis and using designated drivers are easy to arrange – drinking and driving simply isn’t worth the risk.”

Superintendent Daryn Elton for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “Cracking down on those who take drugs or drink and then drive is a year round commitment for both forces.

However, we are very aware the festive season can present opportunities where people are tempted to drive after taking drugs or drinking.

“To combat this, extra patrols will be conducted in the run up to and over New Year, in a bid to tackle those who commit the unacceptable act of drinking or drug driving.”